India is gearing up for an exciting five-match Test series against England, starting June 20, 2025, at Leeds. With a strong bowling line-up in IND vs ENG Test Series, India aims to dominate England, who are dealing with injuries and lack of experience. The focus is on India’s pace bowlers and whether Kuldeep Yadav could be the game-changer. What will be India’s bowling strategy, who are the three Indian pacers likely to play the first Test, and why Kuldeep Yadav might be the x-factor in this series?
India’s Pace Attack for the First Test
India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, has shared insights into the team’s preparations. He emphasized the need to get “Test-match ready” since the team hasn’t played Test cricket since their Australia tour ended in early January 2025. The three Indian pacers expected to lead the attack in the first Test at Headingley are Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.
- Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah, India’s star fast bowler, is a key figure in the pace attack. Known for his unique bowling action and ability to swing the ball, Bumrah has been a consistent performer. His experience in English conditions, where the ball moves under overcast skies, makes him a vital asset. In the 2021 England tour, Bumrah played all Tests, proving his stamina and skill. His role will be crucial in challenging England’s aggressive batting line-up.
- Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj is another pacer expected to shine. His fiery pace and ability to generate bounce make him a threat. Siraj, alongside Bumrah, was a standout in the 2021 series, troubling England’s batters with his swing and seam movement. Since he has played a Ranji Trophy match recently, Siraj is slightly ahead in match fitness compared to others. His energy and aggression will be key in the first Test.
- Prasidh Krishna
Prasidh Krishna is the third pacer likely to feature. His height gives him an edge, as he can generate extra bounce and lateral movement. These qualities are perfect for English pitches, especially with the Duke ball, which swings more than others. India has high hopes for Prasidh, who could trouble England’s batters if conditions favor seam bowling. His inclusion adds variety to India’s pace attack.
Other Pace Options
Beyond the main trio, India has a strong bench of pacers. Akash Deep, who bowls in a style similar to Mohammed Shami, is a strong contender. His ability to move the ball both ways makes him a potential pick if conditions are seamer-friendly. Arshdeep Singh, a left-arm pacer, could add variety to the attack later in the series. Additionally, seam-bowling all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur provide depth, ensuring India’s bowling unit is well-rounded.
Kuldeep Yadav: The X-Factor?
While India’s pace attack is strong, Kuldeep Yadav could be the x-factor in this series. The wrist-spinner has the ability to turn matches with his unique bowling style. Unlike traditional spinners, Kuldeep’s wrist-spin generates sharp turn and bounce, making him unpredictable. Against England’s aggressive “Bazball” batting approach, Kuldeep’s variations could be a game-changer.
In the 2021 series, India relied heavily on pacers due to seaming conditions. However, this time, pitches in England are expected to be flatter and more batting-friendly, as seen in recent County cricket matches. This shift could favor spinners, and Kuldeep’s inclusion might give India an edge. His only Test in England was in 2018 at Lord’s, where he played alongside Ravichandran Ashwin. If India opts for two spinners, Kuldeep could team up with Ravindra Jadeja, adding variety to the attack.
Morne Morkel highlighted Kuldeep’s potential, especially against England’s attacking batters. “With the type of cricket England play, we have to be on top of our games,” Morkel said. Kuldeep’s ability to deceive batters with his googly and sharp spin could disrupt England’s aggressive approach, making him a key player to watch.
India’s Bowling Strategy
India’s bowling strategy will depend on the conditions in England. Unlike their 2018 and 2021 tours, where seamers dominated, the team is preparing for flatter pitches this time. During practice sessions at Beckenham, India requested good batting wickets to adapt to these conditions. Morkel noted that the wickets at Beckenham offer extra bounce and pace, which is useful for getting used to the Duke ball but may not reflect Test match conditions.
In the 2018 series, India lost 1-4 but competed closely, using three pacers and one spinner in most Tests. In 2021, they played four pacers and Jadeja, capitalizing on seamer-friendly conditions. This time, with England’s Bazball approach favoring batting-friendly tracks, India might opt for a balanced attack with two spinners, including Kuldeep, alongside the three pacers.
The World Test Championship (WTC) final earlier this year showed how overhead conditions can change a game. Despite a batting-friendly pitch, overcast skies helped pacers dominate. India will need to adapt quickly to such variables, and Kuldeep’s spin could be crucial if pitches remain flat.
England’s Bazball approach, which focuses on aggressive batting, poses a unique challenge. Morkel stressed the need to “hit the strides straight away” to counter England’s batting. If England’s batters get going, they are hard to stop, as seen in recent matches. India’s bowlers, especially the pacers, must find their rhythm early to keep England’s totals in check.
The lack of recent Test match practice is another hurdle. Since the Australia tour, only Siraj and Prasidh have played a Ranji Trophy game. Morkel’s focus is on getting the bowlers Test-match fit, ensuring they regain their sharpness. The practice sessions at Beckenham are helping the team work on their skills with the Duke ball, which is critical for success in England.
Why India’s Bowling Unit Stands Out
India’s bowling unit is one of the strongest in world cricket. The combination of experienced pacers like Bumrah and Siraj, emerging talents like Prasidh and Akash Deep, and versatile spinners like Kuldeep, Jadeja, and Washington Sundar gives India plenty of options. This balance is crucial, especially as India’s batting is going through a transition. The bowlers will need to step up to keep England’s totals under control.
Morkel is pleased with the team’s preparation, noting that the bowlers are taking responsibility and stepping up. “The guys have taken ownership, realizing it’s going to be a tough tour,” he said. This mindset, combined with a versatile attack, makes India a formidable force.
As India prepares for the first Test against England, the pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna will lead the charge. Their ability to exploit English conditions with the Duke ball will be key. However, Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist-spin could be the x-factor, especially against England’s aggressive batting. With a balanced bowling unit and a clear strategy, India is well-positioned to challenge England.
FAQs About IND vs ENG Test
- Who are the three Indian pacers for the first Test against England?
The three Indian pacers expected to play the first Test against England are Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.
- Will Kuldeep Yadav play in the first Test?
While not confirmed, Kuldeep Yadav is a strong contender to play, especially if India opts for two spinners. His wrist-spin could be a game-changer against England’s aggressive batting.
- What is India’s bowling strategy for the England series?
India’s strategy involves a balanced attack with three pacers and possibly two spinners, including Kuldeep Yadav, to counter England’s Bazball approach on batting-friendly pitches.
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